GOP Leadership Say Dist. 27 Lawmakers Will Remain Seated

Republican leadership in the state legislature say two lawmakers from District 27 will remain seated, despite claims against the legitimacy of their election.

Representative Julie Frye-Mueller and Senator Phil Jensen, both members of a conservative caucus, brought the challenge.

They alleged two Oglala Lakota women elected did not meet residency requirements required under state law, Senator Red Dawn Foster and Representative Peri Pourier.

Lee Qualm is the majority leader in the house. He says there’ve been numerous discussions between the house and senate about the issue.

“We worked very hard to get the information,” Qualm says. “Right now, with the current information we have we believe there’s no reason she should be unseated. There’s plenty of evidence that says she’s definitely eligible.”

Qualm’s counterpart in the state senate agrees. Senator Kris Langer says the chamber will continue to let Senator Foster serve.